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Brigham Young Academy

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1875 - 1903

Administrative History

Brigham Young Academy (1875-1903) was established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the direction of Brigham Young for the instruction of church members in the area of Provo, Utah.

Brigham Young Academy was the predecessor to Brigham Young University and Brigham Young High School. Brigham Young saw the school as a place where all secular learning should be fused with teachings from the scriptures. Despite steady growth during its early years, the Academy was threatened by a series of financial and physical setbacks. With the help and sacrifice of Abraham O. Smoot, the campus moved in 1891 to new facilities on University Avenue in Provo Utah. The Academy's curriculum strengthened and enrollment grew. In 1903, the name was officially changed to Brigham Young University.

Brigham Young Academy principals included Warren N. Dusenberry (1876), Karl G. Maeser (1876-1892), and Benjamin Cluff (1892-1894). Benjamin Cluff also served as Academy president between 1894 and 1903.

Citation:
The Journal of pedagogy, Feb. 1895: t.p. (Brigham Young Academy)

BYU--national champions, 1985: intro. (Brigham Young University)

History of BYU (within Brigham Young University website), via WWW, 4 November 2010 (Brigham Young Academy established October 16, 1875 in Provo, Utah. Name changed to Brigham Young University in 1903. Sponsored by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Provo City Library website, via WWW, Oct. 2, 2012 (Brigham Young Academy; founded in 1876; essentially a high school until 1896, with the founding of the College Dept.)

YFacts History of BYU, via WWW, viewed May 31, 2013 (Brigham Young Academy (1875-1903), Brigham Young saw the school as a place where all secular learning should be fused with teachings from the scriptures, despite steady growth during its early years, the Academy was threatened by a series of financial and physical setbacks, with the help and sacrifice of Abraham O. Smoot, the campus moved in 1891 to new facilities on University Avenue in Provo Utah, the Academy's curriculum strengthened and enrollment grew, 1903 the name was officially changed to Brigham Young University)

Yfacts BYU Presidents, via WWW, viewed Mar. 19, 2013 (Brigham Young Academy principals included Warren N. Dusenberry (1876), Karl G. Maeser (1876-1892), and Benjamin Cluff (1892-1903))

Brigham Young High School History, via WWW, viewed May 31, 2013 (Brigham Young Academy was the predecessor to Brigham Young University and Brigham Young High School)

Found in 228 Collections and/or Records:

Class notes

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197233275087]
Identifier: UA SC 42
Scope and Contents

Includes notes for theology and U.S. history. Includes a bound volume and a partial notebook.

Dates: 1881-1883

Benjamin Cluff diaries

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 1667
Scope and Contents

Contains four diaries and their respective transcripts covering the period from 1881-1909 and detailing Cluff's time as a student at Brigham Young Academy and the University of Michigan, as well as his subsequent appointment as President of the Academy. Also describes his activities and experiences as a plantation owner in Tabasco, Mexico.

Dates: 1881-1909

Benjamin Cluff Jr. papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 135
Scope and Contents

Contains a scrapbook containing newspaper articles (photocopy) concerning the Brigham Young Academy South American Expedition, and The Brigham Young Alumnus.

Dates: 1900-1902

Benjamin Cluff Jr. photographs and correspondence

 File — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1013
Scope and Contents

Contains ten photographs and five correspondence of Benjamin Cluff, Jr. Among the photographs is a family picture of the Benjamin and Harriett Cluff family. Correspondence is between Cluff and his son, Cyril, as well as Cluff and the Utah-Mexican Rubber Company.

Dates: 1911-1943

Benjamin Cluff Jr. theological notes

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197231035079]
Identifier: UA 191
Scope and Contents

Contains bound notes on theology (240 pages), articles by Cluff, education notes, world situation notes, and titles of library books, 1882-1885.

Dates: 1882-1885

Benjamin Cluff letters

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230324672]
Identifier: MSS SC 2538
Scope and Contents

Contains four handwritten and signed letters addressed to a friend only identified as "Bagley." The items were written when Cluff was living in Tabasco, Mexico. Cluff offers sympathy to his friend at the death of his wife and writes about other personal and business matters.

Dates: 1905-1906

Florence Mary Reynolds Cluff papers

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230339787]
Identifier: MSS 2546
Scope and Contents

Contains two photocopied letters: one written by Florence Mary Reynolds and the other addressed to Benjamin Cluff, Jr. from one of his students. Also included is a brief biographical sketch of Florence Mary Reynolds.

Dates: 1934-1973

Collection of Brigham Young University athletics photographs

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 1029
Scope and Contents

Contains photographs of Brigham Young University athletic teams, players, and events in a variety of sports. Photographs date from 1893 to 1989.

Dates: 1893-1989

Collection of diplomas and certificates

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: UA 312
Scope and Contents

Certificates and diplomas awarded to faculty and students of Brigham Young University, Brigham Young Academy, and one from Ricks Normal College. Includes diplomas for George H. Brimhall, Edwin S. Hinckley, Margaret Vilate Elliott, Karl G. Maeser and Hester Mabel Warner. Items date from between 1870 and 1953.

Dates: 1870-1953

Collection on Karl G. Maeser

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230337575]
Identifier: MSS 2742
Scope and Contents

Copy of a photograph of Karl G. Maeser and a group of students. Also includes two articles in German about Karl G. Maeser and a photocopy of a telegram to Reinhard Maeser telling him of Karl G. Maeser's death.

Dates: 1901-1990